The Book of Knowledge

World experiences the birth and growth of exceptional genius once in many centuries but when Almighty God sends such an exceptional genius to this world, he/she leaves an indelible and often immortal imprints on the sands of history. A small town of Tus in present day Iraq saw the birth of such an exceptional genius in the middle of the 10th century who later came to be known as Imam Al- Ghazali (RA) who became one of the most powerful, renowned and exceptional scholars in history. He occupied the prestigious post of the Principal of Nizamiyya College in Baghdad from 1091 to 1095 which is said to be the first modern university in the world. His biographer Eduardo Albert says that the position of the Principal of Nizamiyya College was equivalent to being a Professor of Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge together in present day world. This book was originally written in Arabic and this one is a translation only. Al- ghazali (RA) himself says in some other writings that 'knowledge has intrinsic value' which he beautifully substantiates in this work. He says that a robber taught him one of the most important lessons in life while returning his stollen notes and it was that knowledge has an intrinsic value. It is one of most comprehensive analysis of the concept of 'Knowledge' that involves detail discussions on what may be termed as obligatory knowledge(fard kifayah) and what may be called not useful knowledge(madhmum). He also dwells deeply into the issues of 'excellence of knowledge' and 'excellence of teaching'. Al-ghazali (RA) being a deeply religious man keeps on quoting hadith through out the book most of which are not easily available and the same makes it interesting and immensely useful. One of the sections which deals with the proprieties of the student and the teacher is extremely important for students and teachers as it gives lifelong lessons both to teachers and students. He talked about the importance of inter-disciplinary studies in the end of 11th century itself which South- Asian societies are now attempting to adopt. Another section in the last part of the book focuses on discussions as to the evils of knowledge and the teachers of falsehood (sciences which are directed towards and propose a godless culture in the name of progress) and the same is not only thought provoking but really enlightening as well. It is a very useful but difficult discourse. In short, it is a book of knowledge in letter and spirit.

Next level. I can't explain in words.

Imam Ghazali (RA) has beautiful explained what knowledge is, what kind of knowledge is worth seeking, things knowledge of which is prohibited, about the intellect, on the teacher and the student. Paper and book quality is great, text size is very decent.

Quality of pages are good. There are few translational issues but the purpose of this book is to impart the knowledge which is still very needed at this time also. I wish I know Arabic language so that I could read the authentic untranslated book.

Book ia damaged.. Value for the content. I hope they can look into it so that no other buyer finds the same issue. Apart from that really very good book, I suggest every single seeker of knowledge to go through it.

If you're a true knowledge seeker. This a must have in ur library. Absolutely loved it.

Knowledge book. Everyone should read this book.

Poor paper quality

Nice for knowledge

The path of enlightenment is never easy. The book is showing the simplicity of living but I am discovering how complicated, all the illusions we have created and living in world of fantasy. Removing these illusions is challenging. I need to stick to it to gain an understanding for the purpose of living.